In today’s 60-minute telehealth session, the client talked about their growing anxiety around their allergy to berries. They said, "It feels like berries are everywhere right now, and I’m constantly on edge," describing how the summer season brings frequent exposure to berries at picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings. The client shared that even seeing someone eat berries nearby can trigger a spike in anxiety, and they often avoid social events altogether to reduce the risk. They kept saying how they don't want to end up in the ICU or the ER. They expressed frustration that others don’t always understand the severity of their allergy, which adds to feelings of isolation and fear.
We explored how their anxiety is rooted not just in the physical risk, but in the unpredictability of others' actions and environments they can’t control. I validated the seriousness of their allergy and the emotional toll it takes to constantly assess food safety in public spaces. We discussed strategies for self-advocacy, including clearly communicating their needs ahead of events and carrying emergency medication at all times. I also encouraged them to create a mental script to use when explaining their allergy to others, so they feel more prepared and less reactive.
Client admitted they often feel embarrassed or like a burden when speaking up about their allergy. We reframed this as an important boundary that protects their health and wellbeing. I suggested they identify one upcoming event where they feel safe enough to attend and practice setting boundaries around food. Their homework is to prepare for that event by talking to the host and planning how they’ll handle food-related anxiety. We’ll check in next session to see how it went and how they felt emotionally afterward.
